The Tesla Model 3 Competitor

September 12, 2016

The Tesla Model 3 has become very popular in the electric car market. Tesla was the first to announce an electric vehicle around the $35,000 price range, with over 200 miles per charge. Recently, Chevrolet announced that their new Bolt EV will get roughly 238 miles per charge when it comes to the showrooms later on this year, putting it ahead of the popular Model 3. Since the new Chevy Bolt EV is estimated to get 238 miles per charge, Chevrolet expects to sell roughly 40,000 units which is an increase from the previous years’ 23,000. Before Chevrolet introduced the Bolt EV, in order to get an electric vehicle that could drive more than 200 miles, a consumer would have to spend over $60,000. John Voelcker, editor at Green Car Reports says, “Eighty percent of U.S drivers travel less than 40 miles day. The Bolt takes away the major reason people don’t buy EVs and gives the technology a new level of affordability.” The Tesla Model 3, which is a sedan, is faster than the Bolt and able to do 0-60 in roughly 5 seconds. Tesla also equipped the Model 3 with a rear-wheel drive system which makes it a great sports sedan. This will make it easier for people to switch from a Mercedes C class or a BMW 3 series to the Model 3. Tesla is also offering supercharging stations for the Model 3, whereas Chevy only has their self-charging option which will make it harder for drivers to travel long distances. The Bolt will be very useful for those looking for more space in their car since it is a hatchback. This makes it larger than both the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan Leaf. The Bolt will also be available much earlier than the Model 3. The Tesla already has 275,000 reservations and they will only be producing roughly 80,000 cars a year. That means that by 2019 there will still be a wait list. However, the Chevy Bolt EV will be available by the end of 2016 and has no wait list in the hundreds of thousands. Also, many Chevy Bolt buyers will be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit, whereas the Teslas, which ship in during the fourth or fifth quarter of 2017, may not. There are advantages to each car, and in the end will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a faster and sporty electric vehicle and don’t mind waiting, then the Model 3 is perfect for you. If you don’t have a need for speed and instead prefer a spacious ride than the Bolt EV will not disappoint you. Both cars are great choices and are currently the only electric vehicles under $40,000 that will offer more than 200 miles per charge!